Mayor Stephen Yamashiro has proclaimed August 1 through 7, 1999, as “Neighborhood Watch Week” on the Big Island.

The mayor signed a proclamation July 9, 1999, noting that the Community Coalition for Neighborhood Safety, in conjunction with the Hawaii County Police Department and Prosecutor’s Office, will be celebrating the week.

It noted that the Police Department’s community policing officers are working closely with many Big Island communities to “develop partnerships with our citizens through the formation of Neighborhood Watch groups.

“Currently, ninety-eight active watch groups have been established in the County of Hawaii,” it said.

“The dedication and action of these groups which are comprised entirely of volunteers, have helped raise the level of public safety and improve the quality of life within their respective communities and throughout our entire island.

Yamashiro urged Big Island residents to “join in the effort to prevent crime and make our Big Island of Hawaii a better and safer place to live.”